New tests of supplements containing the hormone DHEA found most to contain their claimed amounts of the controversial ingredient, but one provided 215% of its stated amount, the testing company ConsumerLab.com reported today. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a steroid now banned from use by certain athletic organizations, has been touted for its potential to “reverse the aging process” and “increase strength.” ConsumerLab.com’s new Product Review of DHEA Supplements scrutinizes these claims as well as the quality of products on the market. Sales of DHEA jumped from just $1 million in 1998 to $48 million in 2004, according to figures from Nutrition Business Journal.“DHEA levels fall with age, which is why it has been promoted as a ‘fountain of youth,’ said Tod Cooperman, MD, President of ConsumerLab.com. “Several studies have shown that it does not improve strength, nor improve general well-being in seniors. But DHEA may improve skin condition, sexual dysfunction, and osteoporosis in older individuals. It may also help people suffering from lupus reduce their corticosteriod use.” He warned, however, that, “DHEA has potential side effects and it should only be used with caution in women with hormone-sensitive breast cancer. The risk of side effects could increase if using a product containing more ingredient than claimed on its label.”
This is the second time that ConsumerLab.com has reviewed DHEA supplements. In December 2002, ConsumerLab.com found three products to contain less DHEA than claimed.
The complete, new report is available at www.consumerlab.com/results/dhea.asp. Brands included are AST Sport Science, Doctor’s Trust, Natrol, Nature’s Bounty, Only Natural, PHD (Wellness International), Physiologics, Puritan’s Pride, Smart Basics (Vitacost.com), Solaray (Nutraceutical Corp.), Trimedica and Vitamin World. The report provides results for eleven products, of which ConsumerLab.com selected nine. Two were tested at the request of their manufacturers/distributors through CL's Voluntary Certification Program and are included for having passed testing. Also listed are three products similar to ones that passed but sold under a different brand name.
Reviews of other popular types of supplements are available at http://www.consumerlab.com/results/index.asp. New reviews to be released in coming months cover CoQ10, multivitamins, probiotics, supplements used for muscle enhancement (creatine, HMB, and amino acids), and zinc supplements. The paperback ConsumerLab.com's Guide to Buying Vitamins and Supplements: What's Really in the Bottle? is available in bookstores, online, or through 800-431-1579.
ConsumerLab.com is a leading provider of consumer information and independent evaluations of products that affect health and nutrition. The company is privately held and based in Westchester, New York. It has no ownership from, or interest in, companies that manufacture, distribute, or sell consumer products. ConsumerLab.com is affiliated with PharmacyChecker.com, an evaluator of online pharmacies, and MedicareDrugPlans.com, which reviews and rates Medicare Part D plans.
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